Stage Lighting is very important in any performance environment. Done well, it may be taken for granted, but what a huge difference it makes for those in the audience. It makes the performance more colorful, exciting and entertaining.  It does not set the mood for the show, but accentuates it.  Lighting can highlight soloists and add a heightened level of style and class to the entire experience.  Whether using a simple lighting kit to add an imperceptible sense of focus and color, or by implementing a more sophisticated arrangement that includes follow spots and special effects that awe the audience by adding and intensifying the visual experience, stage lighting provides an invaluable addition to any concert or performance. 

Entertainment Lighting Services (ELS) provides just that ability.  David Schwartzman, ELS's president and technical director, has worked at the Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, the Folger Theatre and the Guthrie Theatre.  He co-owned a Technical Theatre support company, providing sets, lighting, audio support, and technical personnel to local theatres and arts spaces.

While in Israel, David worked in a large kibbutz theatre doing lighting and sound work, as well as accompanying the kibbutz's nationally known singing troop on the road as their lighting director.  Recently while working as Kol Haruach's web-designer, he was asked to advise on lighting and sound issues and found this design work reawakened his passion for live performance. Returning to his roots in production design, he opened ELS, to provide lighting and technical services for music performance.

Here is one example of his work. Notice the even but clear lighting. There are no shadows. From the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Washington, DC.

Photos complements of John Whitman Photography.